PSYCH401: Abnormal Behavior

Unit 9: Dissociative DisordersThe name dissociative disorders is fitting for this group of diagnoses,
which is characterized by a dissociation from a person’s identity. One
of the most dramatic examples of the manifestation of this disconnect
occurs in the case of individuals with dissociative identity disorder,
previously known as multiple personality disorder. With this disorder, a
person can assume as many as 25 distinct personalities which may vary
across multiple dimensions, including gender, reported occupation,
accent, level of extraversion, aggression, and so forth. Although
research has not revealed any one theory which fully explains the nature
of the disorder, it is likely that these dissociations serve a
protective function for the individual with the disorder. In this unit,
we will first define dissociative disorders and identify the common
characteristics among these disorders. Next, we will learn more about
the specific subtypes of the disorder—their prevalence, gender
differences in diagnosis, correlates of the disorder, and theories
surrounding the etiology of the disorder.

Unit 9 Time Advisory
This unit will take you approximately 4.25 hours to complete.

☐
Subunit 9.1: 3.75 hours

☐
Subunit 9.2: 0.5 hour

Unit9 Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- define dissociative disorder, and identify the common
characteristics within this group of disorders;
- explain the historical context and current conceptualizations of
dissociative disorders;
- compare and contrast as well as discuss the diagnostic criteria for
and characteristics of the various dissociative disorders; and
- explain the findings regarding the research on dissociative
disorders.

Instructions: Listen to this lecture from 33:34 and ending at
54:13, for information on dissociative disorders. This reading
covers subunits 9.1 and 9.2 as well as any inclusive subunits. Note:
It may take a moment for the audio to begin although the page will
appear to have loaded fully. Don't fret: it will start
momentarily.

Listening to this podcast and pausing to take notes should take
approximately 45 minutes.

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

Instructions: Read this chapter to learn about dissociative
disorders, such as dissociative amnesia, depersonalization disorder,
dissociative fugue, and dissociative identify disorder. This reading
covers subunits 9.1 and 9.2 as well as any inclusive subunits.

Studying this reading should take approximately 1 hour and 30
minutes.

Instructions: Read this comparative study on somatoform and
dissociative disorders in children and adolescents. For the purposes
of this course, you can skip the results section. This reading
covers subunits 9.1 and 9.2 as well as any inclusive subunits.

Studying this reading should take approximately 1 hour and 30
minutes.

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

9.2.1.1 Continuous
- Reading: Continuous
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of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.

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9.2.1.2 Localized
- Reading: Localized
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of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.

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9.2.1.3 Selective
- Reading: Selective
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of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.

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9.2.1.4 Generalized
- Reading: Generalized
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of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.

9.2.3.3 Correlates of Disorder
- Reading: Correlates of Disorder
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of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.

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9.2.3.4 Reen’s Interpersonal Theory of Dissociative Identity
Disorder
- Reading: Reen’s Interpersonal Theory of Dissociative Identity
Disorder
The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion
of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.